Top 10 Most Interesting Facts About Nevada

1. State Motto: "All for Our Country."
2. State Bird: Mountain Bluebird.
3. State Flower: Sagebrush.
4. Nearly 85% of Nevada's land is federally owned—the most of any state in the U.S.
5. Nevada is the driest state in the U.S., with an average annual rainfall of just 10 inches.
6. The Las Vegas Strip is not actually located in Las Vegas—it's in Paradise, Nevada.
7. Wheeler Peak, located in Great Basin National Park, is home to one of the oldest living organisms: the bristlecone pine tree.
8. Red Rock Canyon is just 17 miles from Las Vegas and features incredible hiking trails and rock climbing opportunities.
9. Lake Tahoe, shared with California, is the second deepest lake in the U.S. and is known for its crystal-clear waters.
10. The town of Tonopah is considered one of the best places in the U.S. for stargazing, thanks to its dark skies.

Geography of Nevada

Nevada's geography is incredibly diverse, featuring deserts, mountains, and alpine lakes. Key features include:

• Highest Point: Boundary Peak (13,147 feet).
• Lowest Point: Colorado River (481 feet).
• Major Rivers: Colorado River, Truckee River, and Humboldt River.

A Brief History of Nevada

Nevada has a rich history, from its mining boom to its modern reputation as a hub for tourism and entertainment:

• Nevada became the 36th state on October 31, 1864, during the Civil War.
• The discovery of the Comstock Lode in 1859 made Nevada famous for its silver mining.
• Las Vegas was established in 1905 and later became the entertainment capital of the world.
• The construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s brought jobs and electricity to the region.
• Nevada legalized gambling in 1931, transforming its economy and culture.

Top 10 Things to Do in Nevada

1. Visit the Las Vegas Strip for world-class entertainment, dining, and nightlife.
2. Hike through Red Rock Canyon and enjoy its stunning sandstone formations.
3. Explore Great Basin National Park and hike to Wheeler Peak.
4. Relax on the shores of Lake Tahoe or hit the slopes in the winter.
5. Marvel at the vibrant landscapes of Valley of Fire State Park.
6. Take a tour of the Hoover Dam, a marvel of modern engineering.
7. Discover Nevada's Wild West history in the town of Virginia City.
8. Stargaze in the remote and dark skies of Tonopah.
9. Visit the Neon Museum in Las Vegas to see iconic vintage signs.
10. Explore the ghost towns scattered across Nevada's deserts.

Top 10 Destinations in Nevada

1. Las Vegas Strip
2. Red Rock Canyon
3. Wheeler Peak (Great Basin National Park)
4. Lake Tahoe
5. Valley of Fire State Park
6. Virginia City
7. Tonopah
8. Hoover Dam
9. Reno
10. Black Rock Desert (home of Burning Man)

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Nevada, visit the state's official tourism site: Travel Nevada